Tag: DJ Big N

Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has attributed the poor performance of Nigerian musicians at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards to their limited involvement in American music events and seminars.

In a post on his X page, DJ Big N stated that Nigerian artists’ lack of participation in US music events and their failure to join the Recording Academy’s voting body have hindered their chances of winning at the prestigious awards.

The DJ’s comments come after Nigerian musicians, including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Wizkid, lost to South African star Tyla in the Best African Music Performance category.

DJ Big N urged Nigerian artists to emulate multiple Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, who regularly participates in American music events and is a member of the Recording Academy’s voting body.

He wrote, “It stings deeply that so many talented Nigerians were nominated but didn’t bring the Grammy home this time. But here’s the truth: Legends like @angeliquekidjo and @YoussouNdourSN have shown us the power of being involved beyond just the award night.

“She [Kidjo] is at those seminars, those events, making her presence felt. If we want to change the game, we’ve got to do the same. Let’s step up, join the @RecordingAcad voting body, and be part of the process all year long. That’s how we truly make our mark. Better luck next year, but let’s also be there to shape it.”

He advised Nigerian music creatives and executives to join the Recording Academy as voting members to increase their influence and improve their chances of winning at future Grammy Awards.

“Yes, Nigerians are disappointed about the Grammy outcome, and I feel that too. But let’s turn that energy into action. We need more of us, Nigerian music creatives and execs to join the @RecordingAcad as voting members. That’s how we shape the narrative from the inside. Let’s get involved and make our votes count! Better luck next year”, he wrote.

Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo popularly known as DJ Big N has expressed concerns over the diminishing exclusivity of fame during a recent interview on the Echo Room podcast.

He argued that the barrier to becoming a celebrity has drastically lowered, allowing almost anyone to achieve stardom through minimal effort in today’s decentralised digital landscape.

“Fame has been decentralised. The barrier to entry for fame is very low. Before, celebrities were real celebrities. Right now, anybody can become a celebrity.

“I can say stupid shit on the Internet five times. I get verified and I start doing adverts. That’s celebrity,” he said.

Read Also: Afrobeats experiencing its worst decline in 20 years – DJ Big N

Reflecting on the past, DJ Big N highlighted the commanding presence of artists like Phyno and Olamide, who carried a distinct “wow factor” and aura that defined true celebrity status.

He added: “Before, when I’m talking about before you become a celebrity, Phyno, Olamide, there was a wow factor. There was a celebrity.

“There was an aura that they used to command. But now you have to understand that everybody and first of all, everybody’s attention is, everything is decentralized”.

He contrasted this with the current era, where individuals can gain fame by posting controversial or attention-grabbing content online, quickly earning verification and advertisement deals. 

He attributed this shift to the democratisation of attention, where audiences seamlessly switch from global stars like Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, and Wizkid to viral personalities like Cater Efe or Peller.

“So the same person that is listening to Davido, Rema, Burna, Wizkid, can switch to Cater Efe live of Peller,” he concluded.

Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has expressed concern over what he described as the worst decline in Afrobeats’ global influence in two decades.

Speaking in a recent interview with Echo Room, DJ Big N blamed both artists and music executives for compromising the genre’s quality in their quest to appeal to international audiences.

He criticised the increasing dilution of Afrobeats’ original sound, saying it has resulted in less authentic and lower-quality music that fails to connect with global listeners.

“The uniqueness of Afrobeats is what made the world fall in love with it,” he said, stressing the need to preserve the genre’s authenticity.

Read Also: How I survived a robbery attack in South Africa – DJ Big N

Citing journalist Joey Akan’s views, DJ Big N argued that exporting an inauthentic product is unsustainable, noting that “no one can beat Americans at being American or making hip-hop.”

He also highlighted the issue of rising performance fees among Afrobeats artists, which he said have made many acts unaffordable even within Nigeria.

DJ Big N urged Nigerian artists to re-evaluate their creative direction and pricing models, warning that without a shift in approach, Afrobeats risks losing its hard-won global prominence.

“Afrobeats right now is at its worst position in the last 20 years. And everyone, from musicians to music executives, has a part to play. The quality of music…you have to understand that the quality of the product is important in every way.

“Joey Akan said they wanted us for our originality. Always remember that whatever you want to export has to be original, first and foremost. If you tried to export something else, it’s only a matter of time. You can’t sell Hip-Hop to Americans, that’s their genre. We have to embrace our originality,” he expressed.

Renowned Disc Jockey DJ Big N has issued a warning to aspiring DJs entering the industry without genuine passion or substance.

He emphasised on his Instagram page, that being a DJ requires more than just a passing interest, stating that without a deep love for music, one will only be a “flash in the pan”.

He also criticised DJs who focus solely on Amapiano, advising them to “build their crates” and explore other genres.

Read Also: How I survived a robbery attack in South Africa – DJ Big N

He urged DJs to have a genuine passion for music and to diversify their musical knowledge to succeed in the industry.

“Everybody now wants to be a DJ. It’s not an escape route, it’s not a plan B. If you don’t have deep love for music, you will be a flash in the pan. Yeah I’m talking to those DJs who think the only music out there is Amapiano. Build your crates”, he said.

Disc jockey Nonso Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has shared a terrifying account of his robbery experience in South Africa.

In an Instagram post, he narrated how he was attacked and shot in the leg by armed robbers in Johannesburg.

According to DJ Big N, the incident occurred on January 12th, when he was out with an acquaintance at a traffic light.

He said they were ambushed by six armed men, who demanded his valuables, including his watch, chain, and jewelry.

DJ Big N credited his survival to divine intervention and his mother’s prayers, stating that the bullet narrowly missed a major artery and bone.

He shared photos of himself in the hospital and using crutches, revealing that he lost over $114,000 worth of valuables during the incident.

Big N said the experience gave him a new perspective on life while also expressing gratitude for a second chance and vowed to live more authentically, appreciating life without unnecessary stress.

He recounted: “On Sunday, January 12th, a night out turned into both the worst and most teachable experience of my life. I went out with some friends to a fancy lounge in Johannesburg, SA. From there I decided to head to another club with another acquaintance. On the way, at a traffic light, we were ambushed by two cars carrying six armed men with automatic rifles.

Read Also: Don Jazzy never met, spoke to Bobrisky – DJ Big N

“In the chaos, I tried to escape but got shot in the leg. One of the robbers put the rifle to my head and demanded my watch, which I struggled to remove, along with my chain and other jewelry. Bleeding heavily, I managed to get back to the car, and the driver rushed me to the nearest hospital. The bullet had passed through my leg, narrowly missing a major artery and bone. Doctors described this as miraculous, calling me “lucky.” I credit my survival to divine intervention and my mother’s prayers.

“The experience changed my perspective on life. I lost over $114k worth of valuables that day, but I realized material possessions mean nothing. Life is fragile, and validation is meaningless. God gave me another chance, and I’m committed to living more authentically and appreciating life without unnecessary stress.

“This event restored my focus and reminded me of what truly matters. I am Nonso Temisan Ajufo, also known as Big N, and this is my truth.

“I met so many wonderful people in SA, and went to so many beautiful places…. and like any other country, there would be bad eggs that paint the nation bad”.